Weekly Parent Communications 23.01.26
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
Advance Notice – Forthcoming Academy Days
A reminder that the following days will be Academy Days this year and the school will be open to staff only. Students will not be in school on Tuesday 3rd February and Wednesday 18th March 2026.
Important – Public Examinations
As we approach the forthcoming GCSE and A Level written examination season, we are sharing the JCQ “Information for Candidates – Written Examinations” document. This guidance is issued by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and applies to all students sitting public examinations in the UK. It is essential that all students read the attached booklet and understand this information carefully, and that parents/carers are also aware of these requirements. The JCQ regulations are strictly enforced by exam boards, and failure to follow them can result in penalties, including loss of marks or disqualification from an examination.
AMBIT Extracurricular Courses – February to June 2026
Please see the attached flyer for information on new courses being offered: Software Development, Spanish, British Sign Language and DebateMate. On the last page of the flyer you will find the link to book – please complete the form link by Monday 26thJanuary. Places will be confirmed by email on Thursday 29th January along with payment information.
Safeguarding - AI chatbots and VPNs
Around two-thirds of children aged 9 to 17 use AI chatbots, according to research from Internet Matters. AI chatbots are online computer programs that aim to mimic human interaction by responding to questions and simulating conversation. They can be used for anything from helping with homework to creating a virtual friend, or even a romantic partner. While many chatbots have positive benefits such as education or entertainment, there can be a darker side, especially if a child is lonely or doesn’t have a trusted adult to talk to. Technology is changing rapidly and children are often ahead of the curve. The attached factsheet covers what chatbots are, the most popular platforms and the signs that a pupil might be misusing chatbots.
Are you aware of virtual private networks (VPNs)? The number of people using a VPN has increased dramatically since the introduction of age verification restrictions as part of the Online Safety Act 2023. They can be used to bypass age restrictions on adult content, or hide internet usage – which could include AI. The attached factsheet shares information on what a VPN is, the risks associated with using one, and what to do if you think your child might be using one.
Bexley Apprenticeship Event for Year 11 and Year 13 – Monday 9th February 2026
The borough of Bexley are hosting an Apprenticeship & Participation career information event for young people and their parents/carers to promote Apprenticeships at all levels from Traineeships to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, to those aged 16-24 looking for help to find a course or a job. The event will take place at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT. The event will be split into 2 sessions: Session 1 - 5.30pm to 7pm and Session 2 - 7pm to 8.30pm. Young people and their parents/carers will be able to register online for the session they would like to attend at: www.bexley.gov.uk/apprenticeshipevent.
Free wellbeing courses for young people
Please see below and attached for details of the free wellbeing courses run by Blackfen Community Library, starting at the end of the month. In addition, they run a regular youth drop-in session called ‘The Hub’ which takes place every other Friday for students in school years 7-11. This provides a crucial, safe environment where young people can simply relax, hang out, and have fun. They have a dedicated team of DBS-checked adult volunteers present to offer support and listen, all within a fun and no-pressure setting. All events and courses are completely free of charge and are led by their experienced youth team, who are all DBS checked.
There are two, 6 week courses:
- Strength (for boys aged 11-15): Focuses on equipping participants with essential skills in communication, emotional regulation, creating healthy habits, building resilience, and fostering positive self-worth – Course start date: Wednesday 28thJanuary
- Shine (for girls aged 11-15): Covers the same vital early skills to support their emotional development and confidence – Course start date: Thursday 29thJanuary
Sexual Health Bexley - Parent & Carers Support Session
This is a safe, supportive space for parents and carers to learn, share, and build confidence in talking about sex and relationships with young people. Join for an informative and supportive session focused on sexual health for parents and carers. This event will take place at the Slade Green and Howbury Community Centre and Library. It is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions in a comfortable setting. The events are free and begin from 5th February, please sign up using the link here
Bexley’s 2026 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Hate Crime Surveys
Every year, Bexley Council ask for views, concerns, experiences, and priorities for making Bexley safe from Hate Crime and VAWG, to develop and improve Met Police work and to help Bexley Council provisions. This information will be shared with Bexley's VAWG Working Group, made up of the Local Authority, Police, Healthcare, Education and Voluntary Sector Partners, to direct their Group’s Action Plan for the next year and wider partner priorities. The surveys are open until Sunday 1st February 2026 and are designed to gather insight from anyone who lives, works, studies, or regularly visits Bexley. People of all genders are encouraged to take part, and all responses are analysed anonymously.
The survey asks for information that may be triggering for some people. Please be gentle on yourself when completing these surveys and look after your wellbeing. Support services can be found at www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg and www.bexley.gov.uk/hate-crime
Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Bexley Educational Psychologists are offering their parent/carer support group at Bexleyheath Central Library on Thursday 12th February from 1pm to 2.30pm. Please see the attached flyer for more information and to register.
Kind regards,
Miss S Totty
Interim Headteacher
